Kickstand Switch

Well, I heard rumours about the kickstand switch leaving you stranded was a "when" and not an "if", so I was about to get rid of it.

.... until I did a search on here and read a mix of feelings on the matter. It sounded like some got stranded as a result of the mod.

What's considered the best option for this? Is the mod still a good idea, and what is the best way to perform the mod, if so?

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, how many folks have kleft their kickstand on and never encountered any problems after many, many miles

Its not a big deal. The nice thing about these bikes is nothing really breaks unless you break it. My kickstand switch issue turned out to not be the kickstand switch at all, but a busted spark plug causing an unnecessary ground and throwing all kinds of weird codes. That being said, I don't miss having it. Same deal with the clutch switch, which I still have.

The switch can only leave you stranded if you aren't prepared for it. Bring a butt connector, a way to cut/strip wiring, and something to secure the connector and you'll be fine, all stuff you should have in a tool kit anyways. Or just do it at home as below...

Best way to perform the mod is to unbolt the switch, the follow the wiring up to the clip connecter under the side panel, behind the battery wiring harness. Unclip the switch and remove the wiring. On the wiring for the switch that you removed, below the clip cut the wires and tie them together. Then clip back in to the harness.

Thanks Skierd. I think I will just opt to throw the extra tools in my fender pack and leave it on for now.

Believe it or not, I actually try and ride away with that kickstand down now and then!

Remember the old adage
If it ain't broke don't fix it
No matter how many times you hear about a problem there are Vastly more people who DO NOT have the problem
So it only makes sense that you will likely NOT HAVE the problem either
And believe me, the first time you tip into a corner and put your side stand on the pavement you will see god, maybe literally if you do it in traffic

I think of that very thing. Way back in the day my brother-in-law rode off with the sidestand down, the ensuing crash into a mailbox just down the road resulted in a badly bruised spleen and caused him to be laid up for several, several days.

Sarah